Downtown residents are once again invited to get involved in the process to select the preferred option for their section of the lake-to-lake cycling route. The City is resuming engagement activities for the downtown section that were placed on hold earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the preferred option is determined for the downtown section, the recommendation for the entire route will be reviewed with the public later this summer.
“We’re pushing ahead to complete this work in hopes of being ready for grants that are expected this fall,” says Engagement Strategist JoAnne Kleb. “We have a number of opportunities for interested citizens to learn more and share their feedback in a way that is most comfortable and safe for them.”
There are two options that are being considered for the downtown leg. The first would see a two-way cycle track replace the parking on the west side of Martin St. and a second alternative that would see protected bicycle lanes replace the parking on both sides of Winnipeg St. All downtown businesses and residents are encouraged to get involved in the discussion. Letters are in the mail to notify property owners along the affected routes. Options for involvement include:
- July 2 – Participate in an online open house between 4 pm and 6 pm. Email getconnected@penticton.ca for instructions.
- July 9 – Attend an in person open house between 3 pm and 7 pm at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Email getconnected@penticton.ca to register to attend during one of three one-hour timeslots: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
All citizens will also have an opportunity to watch a video presentation about the work to identify the route and complete a feedback form at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca or at City Hall beginning June 23 through to July 12.
“Bike lanes are inherently difficult discussions. Through this additional step in the engagement process downtown, we want to ensure that Council has a good understanding of all perspectives in order to make their decision,” says Kleb.
The work to identify the lake-to-lake route began last September with the Pedal Penticton event that had attendance of approximately 500 and generated more than 1,000 feedback forms with 93% either somewhat or strongly in support of a lake-to-lake route. This past December, the City shared the options for each of the four sections of the route with the community at two open houses attended by over 400 residents and generating over 200 feedback forms.
“Council is pleased to see our engagement program once again up and running and focused on this forward-looking community discussion,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “I encourage people to take advantage of the opportunities to contribute their feedback online or in person while taking special care to follow the safety protocols.”
More information about the process and the findings to date can be found at www.shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.
